Common Types of Lock
Article Written By: kathybreneman09
Cylinder locks - Cylinder locks are perhaps the most well known of the three main mechanical lock systems, with the most common of these being the cylinder rim lock. These are commonly found in main doors and are often referred to as Yale lock (though this is actually the name of a particular manufacturer, much as the term Hoover has been adopted to describe all vacuum cleaners). The cylinder in question provides the chamber into which the key is inserted wherein a selection of pins will be organised to prevent it twisting and unfastening the latch. The purpose of the key then is to push these pins out of the way so that the cylinder is no longer held in place. A typical five pin cylinder can provide up to 100,000 variations. A locksmith or professional lock picker can perform this task manually to open the door.
Lever locks - Another of the three mechanical types of door lock and also widely used, lever locks can be found in abundance at most locksmiths. The most commonly used variation is the five lever lock mortice deadbolt lock which are now often found in doors to homes and commercial buildings. The key for a lever lock has a long neck with the end coming off at a right angle at the very end to be inserted pointing downwards, whereas the cylinder lock uses the smaller and more common round keys with the pattern coming straight out. This way you can determine whether your lock uses a cylinder or lever mechanism simply by inspecting the key. Warded locks - Warded locks are one of the oldest lock designs and have been used by many a locksmith for centuries. The appearance of the keys for a warded lock is similar to that of the lever lock, except the end or andlsquo;bladeandrsquo; is not so close to the end of the key. This is the design of most ornate or antique keys and is most commonly used for gates and cupboards as well as large doors for churches and monasteries (for this reason they are sometimes also referred to as andlsquo;church keysandlsquo;). These keys utilise different shaped locks to ensure that only the right key fits, but only provide a few possible variations making them more of a deterrent than a serious security option. Digital locks - As technology advances so the art of the locksmith must evolve. Today digital locks are becoming more and more common as they canandrsquo;t be picked or overridden by skeleton keys and are particularly useful for buildings that require many people to enter on a regular basis. These use a computer that requires input from a key card or number pad before it will give the user access. In some cases these can even utilise a remote activation system, voice verification or iris or fingerprint scan. While these systems are immune to lock picking they are more susceptible to other forms of attack such as short circuiting and hacking, and are unnecessarily complex and high maintenance for most family homes.About the Author
For more information on type of locks and help with opening them if you are locked out; visit locksmith morgan hill and locksmith berkeley.
You Can Link Directly to "Common Types of Lock" by using the url:
http://www.allbestarticles.com//home/improvement/common-types-of-lock.html
This Article Has Been Published on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 and Read 101 Times
Find All Best Articles at http://www.allbestarticles.com
Rating: Not yet rated
Comments 
No comments posted.
Add Comment
You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.Related information on Improvement
Simple Guidelines for Overhauling the Spaces of Living Room!What A Difference A New Door Can Make
Renovating Your Home
Extend Your Living Area Outdoors With Patio Doors
Things to Know About Central Heating
Doors And Windows For Your New Home
Know About Residential Roofing in Texas
Questions To Ask Solar Panel Installers
Great Layouts for Small and Large Bathrooms
Differences between an RCD and RCBO
Some Reasons Why You Should Probably Look at DIY Plantation Wooden shutters
Creative Home Renovation in Melbourne
What Can You Use A Concrete Garage For
How to Create Ambience in a Room
Where to Find the Best Apartment Mailboxes for Sale
Be Creative with Shower curtains and shower rails
Pool Maintenance Tips For Summer
Get Creative with your Garage Doors
Ensure You Use the Correct Tradesman for your Home Improvements
Distinguishing Designs of Victorian Homes
What are down lighters and what differences can they make in your house?
What to do during a power cut
Updates to improve your bathroom
Do you have an open plan kitchen-dining area?
Dealing with Roof and Siding Leaks
